Houston granted permission for its own manager to meet with a division rival about its vacancy, with Espada's future in Houston uncertain after the Astros fired general manager Dana Brown.
The Seattle Mariners have received permission to interview current Houston Astros manager Joe Espada for their managerial vacancy, a source confirmed to ESPN. It is an unusual situation: Espada is being pursued by an AL West rival while still technically employed by Houston.
The Astros finished the regular season 81-81 but still won the American League West. The postseason ended quickly, with Houston swept 2-0 by the Chicago White Sox in the American League Wild Card Series. Since then the Astros have already parted ways with general manager Dana Brown, and ownership has given Espada only a tepid vote of confidence, leaving his status with the club in limbo.
Against that backdrop, Houston granted Espada permission to speak with Seattle about its opening. The Mariners are considering him for the job, according to reporting that cited sources within the league. No decision has been reported on either Seattle's hire or Espada's future in Houston.